How to Germinate Bell Pepper Seeds

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How to Germinate Bell Pepper Seeds

Overview

Pepper seeds can be difficult to germinate. These small, particular seeds need very specific temperature and light conditions to sprout successfully. Those conditions can be hard to predict or replicate outdoors, so it's best to start bell pepper seeds indoors, under controlled conditions. With careful attention, your bell pepper seeds may germinate in eight to 10 weeks. You can increase your chances of success by planting many more bell pepper seeds than you think you will need.

Step 1

Place the bell pepper seeds in a bowl of room-temperature water. Allow them to soak for three hours.

Step 2

Step 3

Place the tray under a heat lamp. Leave the tray under the lamp until a thermometer placed an inch below the soil surface reads 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which bell pepper seeds have the highest germination rates.

Step 4

Plant the seeds. Bell pepper seeds should be planted shallowly--at a depth that is roughly equal to twice their diameter.

Step 5

Water the planting tray so that the soil is moist. Continue to keep the soil moist (but not soaking) while the bell pepper seeds are growing.

Step 6

Create light and heat conditions mimicking day and night for your bell pepper seeds. The planting tray should be kept under the heating lamp for 16 hours daily. Periodically measure the soil temperature to make sure it stays between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during "daylight" hours. After 16 hours, turn the heating lamp off for eight hours. Be sure that the planting tray is kept indoors where the soil temperature will remain above 60 degrees. Repeat this cycle until the seed germinates. Be patient, germination times vary widely.

Things You'll Need

Bowl

Multicell planting tray

Seed-starting potting soil

Heat lamp

References

University of Illinois: Peppers

Victory Seeds: Sweet and Bell Peppers

Agriculture and Rural Development: Soil Temperature for Germination

Keywords:
germinate seed, bell pepper seed, plant bell pepper

About this Author

Emma Gin is a freelance writer who specializes in green, healthy and smart living. She is currently working on developing a weight-loss website that focuses on community and re-education. Gin is also working on a collection of short stories, because she knows what they say about idle hands.